This development, which occurred on January 27, 2025, is seen as a significant step for the group in its effort to fully capture the city.
Since the early hours of January 27, M23 fighters have been patrolling Goma, considered the capital of North Kivu Province.
However, the city remained tense as clashes between M23 and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) continued throughout Monday, causing widespread fear among residents, with some beginning to flee.
On the same day, a small number of Congolese civilians, FARDC soldiers, and UN staff crossed into Rwanda through the border connecting Rwanda and Goma, seeking refuge.
Fighting intensified in areas such as Majengo and Himbi as M23 attempted to push further into the city.
Meanwhile, FARDC and allied Wazalendo forces put up stiff resistance. The sound of heavy and light gunfire continued to echo across Goma on Monday, leaving residents confined to their homes in fear.
Other parts of the city, including Birere and the airport vicinity, also experienced gunfire, according to reports.
Security concerns have spilled over to the border between DRC and Rwanda, where shells fired from Congo have landed on Rwandan soil.
Although most were intercepted, some caused fatalities. The Rwandan Defense Forces spokesperson, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, confirmed that five civilians in Rubavu District were killed, and nearly 30 others were injured by these shells.
Reports from Rubavu also indicate that the shells were fired by members of the FDLR, a terrorist group opposing the Rwandan government, in collaboration with FARDC forces.
IGIHE
